Taimate Diva digs deep for all-the-way win
Richard Edmunds • June 22nd, 2025 12:44 PM
After finishing second in three of her previous four starts, Taimate Diva went one better at Riccarton on Saturday with a relentless front-running performance in the SVS Open Handicap (2000m).
The six-year-old Telperion mare kicked off her super-consistent run of autumn and winter form with a runner-up finish in the Riverton Cup (2147m) on April 19. She was unplaced in the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) a week later, but bounced back strongly with close seconds in a 2200m open handicap at Wingatui on June 1 and a 2200m Rating 75 at Oamaru last Sunday.
Taimate Diva went into Saturday’s $40,000 open handicap on a quick back-up and with a hefty 60kg topweight, but trainer Andrew Carston eased that burden with apprentice jockey Ayush Mudhoo’s 4kg claim.
The 20-year-old jockey – who had never previously won a race at Riccarton – sent Taimate Diva straight to the lead and controlled the race from the front.
Taimate Diva produced a strong kick coming around the turn and had favoured runners A Mandarin, La Evita and Taramea Lad under plenty of pressure early in the home straight.
The biggest challenge came from the veteran mare Vague, who launched a withering run from last, but Taimate Diva saw her coming and lifted again. She held on to win by a half-head.
“I was pretty confident going into the race,” Mudhoo said. “I knew she would love the heavy track, and everything was my choice. I just let her bowl along in front, then asked her to go a bit more from the 600m. She loved her work and was very honest.
“She’s a big mare with a long stride, and she just keeps going. I thought the other horse might beat us, but she fought back and she definitely wanted to win.”
Taimate Diva has now had 44 starts for eight wins, 10 placings and $186,750 in stakes for owner-breeder David Hickman and the Taimate Equine Foundation Syndicate.
“She really deserved that win,” Carston said. “She’s a tough mare and has been really consistent in this preparation.
“This is great for the horse and for the owners, and for the young fella on board as well. He rode her well.
“She tries really hard. There was a touch of concern around the quick back-up into this race, but we decided to take the weight off. It was a really good win.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk.
